People on Pine Ridge struggle just to survive, said Shelton: "They try to make a living as craftspeople, hunting and wildlife guides, and more, but there's no funding or infrastructure to support them."

The shah had great admiration for architects, engineers, calligraphers, tilemakers and other craftspeople, and used the best minds of his court to create the Image of the World (the great square of Isfahan), which was a source of astonishment to foreign visitors and still attracts countless tourists.